Guinness Cake (Porter Cake)

in Diana's Recipe Book

Comments: Porter is a type of dark Irish beer, not now as widely available as it once was. It is not as strong as stout but Guinness, Murphy's or other Irish stout can be substituted in this recipe if mixed fifty-fifty with water. This cake is quickly and easily made and, though it tastes good fresh from the oven, it is best kept for about a week in an airtight container.

Porter or Guinness Cake is made commercially in Ireland and is exported to countries all over the world. It is especially popular during the St. Patrick's Day holiday.

Put the butter, dried fruit, orange zest and juice, sugar and porter (or Guinness, if using) in a large pan. Bring slowly to the boil, stirring until the butter has dissolved, then simmer for 15 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, then stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up, but don't worry this is just the baking soda doing its work.

2. Stir the beaten eggs into the pan, then sift in the flour and spice and mix well. Pour into the prepared pan, smooth the top with the back of a spoon and sprinkle with sliced almonds and demerara sugar. Bake for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours until a skewer or toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

3. Cool cake in the pan for 15 minutes; then turn out and remove the paper and leave to cool completely on a wire rack. Ideally (but not necessary), return to the pan for a couple of days.

*Note: Tubinado sugar, granulated sugar or light brown sugar may be substituted for the Demerara sugar in this recipe.

Reviews

Reviewer: AmyRating:Review:Cooked this last night using Guinness and added chopped dates to the mixed fruit - excellent! Cake turned out beautifully moist with a great fruity/malty flavour. Will definitely cook again!